● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact2 neutral
Google hires former Gmail lead Jacob Bank as Chrome VP of Product, focusing on AI integration
Key points
- Jacob Bank appointed VP of Product for Google Chrome.
- Bank previously led AI integration in Gmail, Calendar, and Chat.
- His startup, Relay.app, an AI workflow automation tool, recently shut down.
- Several Relay.app employees are joining the Chrome team.
- Bank's role will focus on integrating AI into the Chrome browser.
New Leadership for Chrome Product
Google has appointed Jacob Bank as the new Vice President of Product for Chrome. Bank will lead the product and developer relations teams for the browser. This move follows his previous tenure at Google, where he worked for over six years.
Return to Google After Startup Closure
Bank's return to Google comes after the closure of his AI-powered workflow automation startup, Relay.app. Relay.app, launched in 2021, ceased access for paying customers on September 14, with free customers losing access on August 15. Several employees from Relay.app are also joining the Chrome team.
Background in AI Integration
During his previous time at Google, Bank was Director of Product Management for Gmail, Calendar, and Chat. He oversaw the integration of AI features such as Smart Reply, Smart Compose, and Nudging into Gmail, and leveraged AI for anti-malware and anti-phishing protections. Google acquired his smart calendar assistant, Timeful, in 2015, with some features integrated into Google Calendar and Gmail.
Focus on AI in Chrome
Bank has indicated that his new role will involve ambitious plans to integrate AI into Chrome. He noted that the browser serves as a primary workspace for productivity and an ideal platform for collaborating with AI agents. Google currently offers Gemini in Chrome.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
AI workflow automation startup Relay is shutting down, with its CEO Jacob Bank and some staff joining Google's Chrome team. Bank will become VP of Product for Google Chrome, leading product and developer relations teams, with a focus on integrating AI into the browser.
Google has appointed Jacob Bank, former Director of Product Management for Gmail, Calendar, and Chat, as the new VP of Product for Chrome. Bank previously led the integration of AI features into Google products and founded a workflow automation platform that recently shut down. His return indicates a focus on integrating AI capabilities into the Chrome browser.